Research project Health and wellness effects of early feed for broiler chicks

General introduction

The ATHLETIC CHICKS project aims to develop a more optimal feeding strategy for young chicks in the broiler sector, so that they grow into stronger and healthier animals with less need for antibiotics and better health and welfare status. Preliminary data and empirical findings suggest that providing early nutrition to broilers can have a positive effect. The current goal is to create a substantiated and optimized protocol for the proper feeding of young, highly productive broilers during the first days of life.

Research approach

The researchers focus on both fast-growing and slower-growing broiler chickens. They investigate effects on production, welfare, gut health, immune system, nutrient absorption, disease prevention, and antibiotic use and link these to economic and societal impact. This results in scientifically validated protocols for the optimal application of early nutrition in both barn and hatchery systems.

Relevance/Valorization

Until reliable feeding protocols for young chicks are developed, it will be difficult to implement early feeding in hatcheries and barns. Poultry farmers will also need knowledge about the health and welfare effects of early feeding. We expect that the new protocols for good practices in early feeding – for both hatchery and barn outcomes, and for both conventional fast-growing and slower-growing types of broiler chickens – will help to improve the poultry sector. Economically, this project can add value to the sector. Hatcheries, veterinarians, and feed manufacturers have committed to disseminating the knowledge gained and assisting with its implementation among poultry farmers.

Financing

Ugent - Fac. Diergeneeskunde
VLAIO